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Borneo & Java

Photo Tour Borneo Java

14 Days from IDR159,000,000

Dates: 3 February 2026 - 16 February 2026
Locations: Borneo/Kalimantan & Java
Group size: Limited to 8 participants
Activity level: Easy
Experience: Wildlife, Culture, Landscape

From the dense jungles of Borneo to the volcanic vistas of East Java, this adventure takes us into the very life of Indonesia. 

Borneo and Java is our classic Indonesia photo workshop: this exceptional photographic journey weaves its way through a fabulous blend of endearing wildlife, living landscapes and charming local culture. We visit Borneo (known in Indonesia as Kalimantan) to photograph orangutan and other wildlife in the lush rainforest, explore Indonesia’s most spectacular volcanic landscape, and mingle with the gracious people of East Java in places where tourists seldom visit. 

Indonesia is a land brimming with the fabulous and fantastic. The endemic primate wildlife is entertaining in behaviour and appearance, yet their engaging expressions often convey a thoughtful inquisitiveness. The volcanic history has produced raw, powerful landscapes which offer spectacular photo opportunities. And the welcoming character of the Javanese makes our visits to the markets and rural areas as much a fascination for them as it is for us. The diversity of experiences on this adventure is astounding and ably matched by first-rate local support, comfortable lodgings, and delicious Indonesian cuisine.  

This is a fantastic opportunity to produce an exciting, unique portfolio of life and land in Indonesia.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival Surabaya

Arrive into the East Java city of Surabaya and transfer to the hotel. The day is yours to relax and refresh after your flights. We meet this evening for our welcome dinner and to discuss the adventure ahead.

Days 2 - 6: Borneo/Kalimantan

This morning we take a short domestic flight to the island of Borneo, which although is only 73% controlled by Indonesia is the largest land area in the country's archipelago. Indonesian Borneo is known as Kalimantan, and we will be basing our stay here in the Tanjung Puting National Park which is home to approximately 6,000 Bornean orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus). Tanjung Puting National Park was originally established as a reserve in the 1930s by the local Dutch government to protect the orangutans and proboscis monkey found here. In 1977 it was designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and was given National Park status in 1982. There are three orangutan rehabilitation centres found within the park.

Upon arrival we will be met by our local jungle guide and transferred to our private riverboat, which is called a klotok. From the port it is approximately two and a half hours to the jungle lodge located in the national park. The lodge is simple, with clean, comfortable rooms which include air-conditioning and private bathrooms with western facilities and hot water. All of our meals will either be served at the lodge or aboard our klotok and are tasty and nutritious.

During our stay we will maximising our time in the field as we explore the national park’s main river by klotok in the search for orangutans. We will make visits to the orangutan rehabilitation centres and photograph at the feeding platforms, which have been set up in the jungle to support released orangutans. In addition to orangutan, wildlife which we expect to encounter as we cruise the river includes proboscis monkeys, langurs, macaques, hornbills and kingfishers.

We return to the port town in the evening on Day 6 and transfer to our hotel in preparation for the following morning's flight.

Day 7: Borneo/Kalimantan to Surabaya

We depart Kalimantan after breakfast for the return flight to Surabaya, arriving in the late morning. The remainder of the day is yours to relax. Our quality hotel is adjoined to a large, modern mall with many places to eat, or enjoy a relaxing coffee. We meet again the following morning.

Day 8: Surabaya to Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park

After breakfast we depart for the mountain region of the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. This area is the most spectacular volcanic region in Indonesia and we will spend two days photographing this lunar-like landscape. Our hotel is situated on the fringe of the National Park.

Day 9: Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park

The Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park is home to Indonesia’s most spectacular volcanic landscape and covers an area of 800 square kilometres. While Mount Bromo receives most of the attention it is actually the smallest of the five volcanoes found inside the Tengger caldera. On a clear morning Java’s highest volcano, Semeru (3676 metres), can be seen in the distance. This morning we depart the hotel at 3am and drive to the National Park for sunrise photography. We return to the hotel for a late breakfast. After lunch we return to the National Park and explore the expansive Sea of Sand in private hardtop jeeps. If conditions are favourable we will photograph the late afternoon light on the volcanoes.

Day 10: Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park to East Java

Another early start to photograph first light over the volcanic plateau. After breakfast we travel to a nearby town in the East Java province and visit an adjacent volcano. Return to the hotel in the early evening.

Day 11: East Java

We are out early again this morning to explore a nearby traditional produce market. As this area is well off the tourist trail we are the curiosity here and the local Javanese are very friendly and welcome having their portraits taken. We then return to the hotel for breakfast and later in the morning we move our base to a nearby town.

Days 12 - 13: East Java

Over the next two days we will explore traditional markets, historical areas of the town, village life, and ricefields. This area is always a favourite with guests and is a fascinating region to photograph.

Day 14: Departure

After breakfast we return to Juanda International Airport, Surabaya, to begin the journey home.

What to Expect

This workshop takes place in the dry season, with the chance of scattered rain periods. We will cover elevations from sea level in Kalimantan/Borneo to 2740m (9000ft) above sea level at Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. The temperature range in Kalimantan and East Java is typically 24°C to 31°C (75°F to 88°F) while in Bromo the average temperatures are 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F).

Activity Level

Easy

Guests should be in good health and able to:

Visas

A very easy online purchase of a Visitor Visa is all that is required for most nationalities to enter Indonesia for up to 30 days. ASEAN country citizens can enter visa-free.

Transportation

For land transportation we use our own team of highly experienced drivers and travel in late-model Toyota Innova or similar vehicles, with 3 guests per vehicle. The roads and highways we travel on are all sealed-surface and well maintained. During our visit to the Bromo Tengger National Park we use Toyota Landcruiser Hardtop 4x4 vehicles and travel on a mixture of sealed-surface and smooth off-road trails.

Workshop Fees

IDR 159,000,000 double occupancy

IDR 168,500,000 single occupancy

All amounts are in Indonesian Rupiah and are per person.

To confirm your place on this workshop we require a deposit payment of 50% of the total fee. Balance of the workshop fee is due on 1 January 2024. Payments may be made by internet or international bank transfer. We also accept Visa, Mastercard, and American Express payments (+3% card fee).

What's Included

  • Domestic flights as indicated in the itinerary
  • Premium hotel accommodations 4 - 5 Star
  • Jungle lodge stay in Tanjung Puting National Park, private rooms with A/C and Western facilities
  • Private-charter riverboat in Tanjung Puting National Park with purpose-built rooftop photography deck
  • Tanjung Puting National Park entrance and Park Ranger fees
  • Orangutan Feeding Stations fees
  • Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park entrance fees
  • Toyota Landcruiser Hardtop excursions into the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park
  • Private transfers throughout the workshop by modern, comfortable vehicles with only 3 persons per vehicle
  • Local taxes and fees
  • Local guide fees
  • All-inclusive meals from dinner on Day One until breakfast on the departure day excepting Lunch and Dinner on Day 7

What's Not Included

  • Any travel services required to arrive at the workshop commencement location
  • Any personal items such as alcoholic beverages and souvenirs
  • All Covid-19 vaccination, pre-flight and immigration associated costs according to current travel and arrival regulations
  • Gratuities for support crew, guides, and porters
  • Visa and other immigration fees where applicable

Terms and Conditions

Please ensure you read our terms and conditions.

Trip Leader

Phillip Bartlett

Phillip Bartlett

Phillip is a professional nature and wildlife photographer, workshop instructor, and expedition leader whose exploration of Indonesia began in 1992. Together with his gifted wife Engelina, a descendant of the Royal Kingdom in Central Java, they began leading Indonesia photo workshops and photography tours in 2015.

Fluent in Bahasa Indonesia, the official language of Indonesia, Phillip has a deep understanding of its diverse cultures. His ability to communicate fluently has enabled him to establish a wide network of relationships across the archipelago, ranging from remote Papuan hill-tribes to the President's personal security detail — a tale in itself.

With over two decades of experience as a full-time photographer, Phillip generously shares his knowledge and passion for Indonesia with photographers from around the world. His commitment to providing exceptional experiences has led to collaborations with respected international photo workshop providers.

Phillip is also credited with pioneering New Zealand multi-region photography workshops. In 2005, he founded Capture New Zealand, offering exclusive photography workshops in New Zealand.

Currently, Phillip is focusing on photographing Indonesia's most elusive and endangered wildlife species, celebrating the natural wonders that call the world's largest archipelago home.

Reviews

Did a recent trip with Phillip and top notch from start to finish, have been on many many trips with him and there is a reason - extremely well planned, top notch subject matter, and lots of fun. Highly recommended.

David and Wipada Salmanowitz

Talk about variety! Phillip Bartlett delivered well beyond his promised itinerary! His familiarity with the areas and knowledge of the local guides and drivers really pampered us all. The accommodations ran the gamut from "best available" to 'drop-dead gorgeous'! His understanding of timing & lighting in the mornings in various spots really enhanced both the photographic experience & visual enjoyment. Humor, food, great stories, new/old friends, what could be better than that! Having travelled with him now, three times, we look forward to the next two, and then some!

Alan and Phyllis Britten

I just returned from a wonderful photo trip to Indonesia with professional photographer Phillip Bartlett. This was my second time in Indonesia and third overall trip with Phillip Bartlett. Like every time before, everything was planned with meticulous detail. As always. Phillip worked hard behind the scenes to make sure all the domestic airline trips, hotel accommodations and transportation services ran smoothly. Again this was my third trip with Phillip and definitely won't be my last.

Dr. Lawrence Korpeck

Read more feedback from our clients on our testimonials page.